Advanced Shoulder Imaging

The art of shoulder imaging and its potential for further growth and sustainability stem not only from our ability as musculoskeletal radiologists to deeply understand the complex anatomy, biomechanics, pathologic conditions and treatment options that apply to this fascinating joint, but also from the advantage that this knowledge enables us to talk the talk with our referral base: the orthopedists. The goal of this issue centered on “Advanced Shoulder Imaging” is to provide the readership of Seminars of Musculoskeletal Radiology with a powerful compilation of state-of-the-art articles covering technical and diagnostic imaging advances that pertain to the shoulder joint.

In the opening article, Drs. Laura Fayad and her collaborators Jan Fritz and Elliot Fishman go over the technical considerations, clinical applications and interpretation guidelines of “MDCT Arthrography of the Shoulder.” As a counterpart, Ronnie Sebro, Adriana Oliveira and Bill Palmer thoroughly review the concepts behind “MR Arthrography of the Shoulder: Technical Update and Clinical Applications.”

Drs. Cristy Gustas and Michael J. Tuite's “Imaging Update on the Glenoid Labrum: Variants versus Tears” underscores the importance of in-depth understanding of normal anatomy, variants and pitfalls to avoid misinterpretation of non-contrast and arthrographic shoulder MR images of the glenoid labrum.

“Advanced Imaging of the Glenohumeral Ligaments” by Drs. Nicole Pouliart, Cedric Boulet, Michel De Maeseneer and Maryam Shahabpour is in my humble opinion the most complete, beautifully illustrated, comprehensive review on this topic ever made available to radiologists. Enjoy it!

Dr. Thomas Le Corroller and his collaborators Maud Larribe, Pierre-Eloi Laurent, Souad Acid, Richard Aswad and Pierre Champsaur cover the ever challenging topic of “Anterior Shoulder Instability: The Role of Advanced Shoulder Imaging in Preoperative Planning” with special insights into the biomechanics of the shoulder joint with treatment implications.

“The Throwing Shoulder: The Common Injuries and their Underlying Mechanisms” by Drs. Soterios Gyftopoulos and Michael Recht explores the biomechanics of throwing as well as the clinical manifestations and treatment of typical internal shoulder derangements that affect throwing athletes.

Drs. Eric Y. Chang and Christine B. Chung in their article, “Current Concepts on Imaging Diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Disease” review the most up-to-date anatomical descriptions that apply to the rotator cuff tendons and muscles and their crucial implications in the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of rotator cuff disease.

“Biceps and Rotator Interval: Imaging Update” by Drs. Luis Beltran and Javier Beltran enables the reader to better understand the biceps and rotator interval anatomy and function, hence improving our ability to diagnose and treat pathology that affects these important structures.

In the article, “Imaging of Cysts and Bursae about the Shoulder,” yours truly along with Drs. Seema Meraj and Lynne Steinbach review and illustrate the MR appearance and clinical significance of cysts and bursae about the shoulder joint. Lastly, Dr. Jonelle Petscavage-Thomas provides us with an in-depth review of crucial concepts that apply to “Preoperative Planning and Postoperative Imaging in Shoulder Arthroplasty.”

The journey as Guest Editor for the “Advanced Shoulder Imaging” issue of Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology has been both inspiring and rewarding thanks to the excellent contributions of so many experts in the field of Musculoskeletal Radiology. I am also greatly indebted to Joycelyn Reid and her team at Thieme for their support. Lastly, I could not do without thanking Dr. Alvand Hassankhani, my life companion, partner in crime and father of my children Dario and Avan, for his encouragement, trust and understanding.